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THANKS FOR CELEBRATING WITH US!
Over 225 photos were submitted in our 2025 Bucket List Challenge! Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month with us by exploring our parks and sharing photos of your adventures!
The winner of the $500 Gift card will be notified later this month and announced on social media. But we hope you all walk away with a new favorite park in your hearts!
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PLAY LIKE A KID AGAIN!
Throw it back to your schoolyard days with a night packed full of fun and nostalgia! The 4th Annual Adult Recess invites all (21+) for a night of schoolyard games, music, food and drink specials, and more!
This is a free event, but registration is required at DSM.City/AdultRecess! Join us at Captain Roy's on Friday, August 1, from 6-9 p.m.
Don't miss out on the ultimate throwback night!
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CALLING ALL SWIFTIES!
Join us for Eras in the sun! This Taylor Swift-themed pool party is the perfect way to live your cruel summer to the fullest! Dive in, make a splash, then shake it off and enjoy some swiftie activities for all ages!
Make friendship bracelets, decorate sunglasses, dance, and splash around to your favorite songs, and win prizes for best dressed in your favorite era's look!
Don't miss it! August 2 at 6:30 at Teachout Aquatic Center! Learn more at DSM.City/swiftie!
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INTRODUCING ADAPTED FLAG FOOTBALL!
Mental and physical disabilities and chronic health conditions aren't a deal breaker for playing sports and having fun! This free program welcomes all and is specifically designed to adapt to the abilities of all our athletes.
With Can Play, we are making sure every kid has the opportunity to play! So sign up your kiddo for flag football! Watch them learn how to play, join a team, and most importantly, have fun! Learn more about Adapted Flag Football at DSM.city/Adapted!
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GRAB YOUR FLIP FLOPS!
Take a seasonal stroll through Gray's Lake as we bring the holly jolly spirit!
Join us on Thursday, August 7, from 6-8 p.m. for festive games, crafts, treats, and more! Meet Santa Claus, wear your favorite holiday gear, and so much more!
We are in the gift-giving spirit! Enter our raffle ticket drawings for free rentals, pool passes, and more! 21+? Receive a Singlespeed Brewery BOGO ticket on any beer!
Learn all about this free event at DSM.City/Jolly!
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STELLAR NIGHT AHEAD!
Join us during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower on August 9 at Ewing Park! From 6 p.m. until midnight, you and your family can enjoy intergalactic crafts, out-of-this-world experiments, other extraterrestrial activities, and a viewing of the movie "Zathura: A Space Adventure" on the big screen!
This free event invites all ages to go on a cosmic journey of space exploration! You and your family can be astronauts for the night and party hard underneath the stars!
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YOU BRING THE POPCORN, WE'LL BRING THE MOVIE!
Bring some snacks and a blanket and join us for our last few movies of the season!
Don't miss Zathura: A space adventure, InsideOut 2, and Moana 2, all coming to a park near you this month! For more information and the full schedule, visit DSM.City/FreeFlicks!
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CREATE A MASTERPIECE!
Or come for the drinks and casual painting. Our talented instructor and local artists will lead you in creating your own one-of-a-kind creation! Sip on your drinks, get some paint on your canvas, and let creativity flow! Bring your friends and partake in this unique night out! Registration is open!
Join us August 23 at 4 p.m. at Captain Roy's. Registration is required at DSM.city/Brews.
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WATER FUN, A TRIP TO THE CARNIVAL & A BEACH DAY!
Explore new adventures with PARK-N-PLAY this month! The Mobile Recreation Van will be loaded with games, crafts, and activities for each week's theme.
Park-N-Play's summer schedule is wrapping up, but you can find details to make the most of what's left at DSM.City/ParkNPlay! Be on the lookout for fall programming kicking into gear early next month!
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AQUATICS END OF SEASON
Don't miss out on your last chance at summer fun! August 10 is the last day for all aquatic centers and pools.
Spraygrounds will remain open through September 30, weather permitting. For more information on splash pools and other aquatic information, visit DSM.City/Aquatics.
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BARK-TASTIC POOL PAWTY!
Celebrate the closing of aquatics season with our Doggie Dip. Bring your pooch to Nahas Aquatic Center on August 10, 3-5 p.m., and register at DSM.City/Register. Normal admissions apply + $5 per dog.
We can't wait to see you and your furry friends at this tail-wagging event!
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EXPLORE THE LAKE AND CLEAN UP THE LAND!
Paddle & Pick Up is back! Get ready for an evening of restoring Gray's Lake to all its beauty by removing trash in the water and along the shoreline! No canoeing experience needed! We'll show you the ropes and provide you with everything you need!
Join us on Thursday, August 28, at 5:30 PM, sign up at DSM.City/register!
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JUMP INTO THE PAST!
TRAVEL THROUGH TIME and discover the captivating stories and rich history that lie within the serene grounds of our cemeteries. Uncover the hidden tales of remarkable individuals, learn about their contributions, and gain a new perspective on our city's past. From pioneers to trailblazers, you'll be transported through time as our expert guides bring history to life at our cemetery tours.
Don't miss your chance to delve into the mysteries and stories that have shaped our community. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious, our tours promise an unforgettable experience. Check out a few of the upcoming dates below!
Civil War History Tour: 8/16
Glendale History Tour: 10/11
Notable Women of Early Des Moines: 8/9, 9/13
Woodland History Tour: 8/23, 9/20, 10/4
For info or inquiries, email cem@dmgov.org or visit DSM.city/cemeterytours.
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DATE NIGHT = SKATE NIGHT!
Bring a date, a friend, a loved one, or anyone you want to go on a sunset skate with! From 5-9 p.m. on August 8 at Brenton Skating Plaza, you can enjoy limited concessions, a cruise by the river, and the sunset over downtown!
Bring your skates for Friday Night Skate Dates at Brenton!
| | | | BECOME A PADDLEBOARD PRO! | |
Get a step-by-step introduction to paddleboarding in a flat water environment! Gain confidence on the water by working through launching, board control, different paddle strokes, and more!
Equipment is provided, but pre-registration is required! For more information, visit DSM.city/SUP.
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LEARN ON THE LAKE!
Join our Environmental Educator on paddleboards and explore the wildlife that lives along the shore of Gray's Lake!
Gear is provided but limited, so pre-registration is required! Reserve your spot and learn more by visiting DSM.city/SUP.
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YOGA AT GRAY'S LAKE!
Yogis of all levels are welcome to join us for Yoga in the Park every week! Every Saturday at 9 a.m., an instructor will lead yoga sessions on the Gray's Lake Park SE Lawn, join in for free!
*Classes will not be held in the rain.
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GET FUNKY!
Roll-Out! A Funk House Skate Jam invites skaters ages 14+ to come out and skate on Aug 16 from 6 - 10 p.m.!
Bring your own roller blades or roller skates and cruise around, listen to live music and funky DJ jams, and so much more!
Registration is required. For more information, visit DSM.city/Rollout.
Combine dance and fitness to get active and have fun!
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GET MOVING! GET GROOVING!
Combine dance and fitness to get active and have fun! All athletic abilities are welcome to participate in Zumba at Brenton Skating Plaza!
Visit DSM.city/fitness to learn more about this fun and engaging fitness program!
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